How to Choose the Right Roofing for Your Home (with Infographic)

One of the worst things a home owner can hear is, “You have to replace your roof.” Making important choices about expensive renovations is difficult enough, but it’s even harder if you don’t know anything about the materials involved or their pros & cons. Is the contractor offering the best choice, or the one he’ll make the most money from? Has she considered the local climate and other factors? The same issues will arise if you’re building your own home.

This guide and infographic will help to ensure you’re making the best decision for your home and budget, so your roof will stay beautiful and last for many years to come.

Types of Roofing and How Long They Last

Your first clue in determining how long a roof will last is the price. That’s why it’s important to choose the best roofing that you can afford. You should also consider the type and quality of the material, local weather conditions and harsh Canadian Winters, how much maintenance you’re prepared to do, and even your home’s design.

The top choices in roofing materials are:

Asphalt Shingles are the most common type of roofing. They’re relatively inexpensive, versatile, easily repaired and last about 20 years. Asphalt shingles won’t protect your roof as well as some other options and it isn’t considered to be an environmentally-friendly choice. Other types of shingles include fiber cement, cedar, plastic and solar.

Metal Roofing will last a long time but it won’t necessarily look good for as long as it lasts. Additionally, the rain will make quite a racket when it hits your metal roof.

Tile Roofing can be made with Bituminous, Ceramic or even concrete and the price will vary according to which type you choose. Installation is complex and all material choices are heavy. A tile roof will last about 50 years and it’s recyclable.

Slate Roofing is an expensive option, but it does increase the value of your home it’s energy-efficient. Repairs can be complicated and expensive over the 40-year lifespan of the roof.

Rubber Roofing is becoming more popular as a durable, low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly option that lasts about 40 years. Issues include expert installation requirements and fading.

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